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I had the dealer update mine from 2010 to 2011. There was no meaningful improvement in map coverage or routing intelligence (?). And it cost $650 for the dealer to do the install. From other threads, there is a relatively wide range of prices, depending on the dealer. But all are outrageous.

There is a complete thread on DIY for this. While the thread is long, there is a good explanation at #138. See link.

My service adviser looked further into this. His information was out of date. Now one buys the software and a USB drive from the local BMW Center. The client is given a code and downloads the software on a USB drive purchased from the BMW center. I have no idea why one would need to buy the USB drive from the BMW center.

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04 Successfully lobbied BMW NA and BMW FS to prohibit dealers from using residual values based upon Euro Delivery MSRP and to use US MSRP saving BMW Enthusiasts several thousand dollars on each lease

Well I don't know how the code is sent. My guess is BMW is tired of people illegally generating FSC codes and selling them. Plus they are not selling CD's of the maps for $8 like they did last year as far as I can tell. My belief is they are trying to close that revenue loophole and get $245 from folks because people don't want to pay the outrageous prices they were charging-$400+ . If they are going to close the loophole they might imbed the code inside the map some way.

Not sure how they will do this for when I updated last year from a CD I bought from BMW for $14 I entered a code right at the beginning of the installation. We will see.

Well I don't know how the code is sent. My guess is BMW is tired of people illegally generating FSC codes and selling them. Plus they are not selling CD's of the maps for $8 like they did last year as far as I can tell. My belief is they are trying to close that revenue loophole and get $245 from folks because people don't want to pay the outrageous prices they were charging-$400+ . If they are going to close the loophole they might imbed the code inside the map some way.

Not sure how they will do this for when I updated last year from a CD I bought from BMW for $14 I entered a code right at the beginning of the installation. We will see.

They are apparently not selling the DVD Media only version anymore, but instead you can get the USB Media Version only. So it is now $42 instead of $11. You can buy an FSC Code for $50, and be upgraded for around $100 net.

They are apparently not selling the DVD Media only version anymore, but instead you can get the USB Media Version only. So it is now $42 instead of $11. You can buy an FSC Code for $50, and be upgraded for around $100 net.

Key information:
BMW 0n-Board Navigation System
Digital Road Map for North America
USB North America Premium 65 90 2 338 094
2013 Version 1A
The maps are by Tom Tom
A 32 GB USB drive has the maps on it. It is contained in a nice PVC case.
The BMW Center submits your VIN Number to BMW. They receive a Map Certificate that is given to the customer. It has a release code for your vehicle.
You insert the USB drive into USB outlet on the right side of your glove box. When the car recognizes the USB it prompts you for a code. You enter the code and and the software starts loading. It takes approximately 30 minutes. Once started you can drive while it loads. If you turn off the car while loading, it starts up again when you restart the car. Very cool.
After loading the maps, you remove the thumb drive and reuse it for another purpose.
Price approximately $220 plus tax.

Routing is better and it better identifies streets/roads with less traffic. For me it is worth the price.

__________________

04 Successfully lobbied BMW NA and BMW FS to prohibit dealers from using residual values based upon Euro Delivery MSRP and to use US MSRP saving BMW Enthusiasts several thousand dollars on each lease

Key information:
BMW 0n-Board Navigation System
Digital Road Map for North America
USB North America Premium 65 90 2 338 094
2013 Version 1A
The maps are by Tom Tom
A 32 GB USB drive has the maps on it. It is contained in a nice PVC case.
The BMW Center submits your VIN Number to BMW. They receive a Map Certificate that is given to the customer. It has a release code for your vehicle.
You insert the USB drive into USB outlet on the right side of your glove box. When the car recognizes the USB it prompts you for a code. You enter the code and and the software starts loading. It takes approximately 30 minutes. Once started you can drive while it loads. If you turn off the car while loading, it starts up again when you restart the car. Very cool.
After loading the maps, you remove the thumb drive and reuse it for another purpose.
Price approximately $220 plus tax.

Routing is better and it better identifies streets/roads with less traffic. For me it is worth the price.

Or you could buy the same USB Media version without the FSC Code only for $42, and an FSC Code from "The FSC Code Man" for $50, and be done for under $100.

Shawn, I see the note on the bottom of that literature abou a pre-9/09 build date. Will it work with non-combos cars?

Yes, Combox is not at all related. I have not figured out why it states that CIC <= 09/2009 won't work via USB. I know several people with builds much older (e.g. 09/2008), and as long as you have a CIC and USB Port in the Glovebox, it seems to work just fine.